Rent payments in Western Australia have grown more than every other state and territory in Australia, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Ms Lisa Conolly, ABS Director of Rural and Regional Statistics said Western Australia reported the biggest increase in median weekly rent, rising 77 per cent, from $170 in 2006 to $300 in 2011.

"Local Government Areas in Western Australia recorded some of the biggest growth in median rent payments in Australia, with eight out of the ten fastest growing regions located in Western Australia. However, Weipa, in far north Queensland, came in at the top, reflecting a change from employer owned housing to private rental arrangements," said Ms Conolly.

Local Government Areas in Greater Sydney continued to have the highest median rents in Australia, with the highest in Ku-ring-gai ($575 per week) and Woollahra ($550 per week).

Cottesloe ($450 per week) had the highest median rent in Western Australia, followed by Perth ($440 per week). In Victoria, Melbourne ($400 per week) and Bayside ($390 per week) were highest.

"It is important to note that the cost of renting in a region may change over time due to changes in workforce demand, population growth or decline, or changing tenure arrangements," added Ms Conolly.

"Nationally, rental costs increased by more than mortgage repayments with the median weekly household rent rising from $191 in 2006 to $285 in 2011 - an increase of 49 per cent. Whereas mortgage repayments have increased 39 per cent during this time.

"Rental costs have also increased by twice as much as wages with the median weekly household income increasing from $1,027 in 2006 to $1,234 in 2011, up 20 per cent," said Ms Conolly.